compare.careers

Science

Physical scientists, all other

All physical scientists not listed separately.

Median pay

$122,570

Growth to 2035

+2%

about as fast as average

Openings a year

1,400

Time to qualify*

Minimal

* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.

Pay

Physical scientists, all other

$122,57010% earn under $67,000 · middle half $86,620–$161,890 · top 10% over $195,190
Bar: middle 50% of workers. Line: 10th to 90th percentile. Dot: median. BLS OEWS, May 2025, national.

Getting in

Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree
On-the-job training
None
Prior experience
None

Calculate your switch to physical scientists, all other

What the work is like

Physical scientists, all other

Dealing with the public

Rarely
Constantly

Time pressure

Rarely
Constantly

Freedom to make decisions

Little
A lot
Average worker ratings, 1 to 5. O*NET 31.0 work context survey.

Core tasks

Outlook and AI

Physical scientists, all other held 26,600 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 27,100 by 2035 (+2%, about as fast as average; all jobs: +3.5%).

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